Public health advice for swimmer’s itch

July 19, 2022 – Otter Tail County, MN – Summer is here with warmer weather and a desire to spend time enjoying the lakes of Otter Tail County. Unfortunately, this can also be a time for swimmer’s itch. Swimmer’s itch presents as a rash caused by an allergic reaction to certain microscopic parasites that are released by infected snails into the fresh water of our lakes. Although public health does not monitor area lakes for swimmer’s itch, they do have some tips to help you stay healthy while enjoying the lakes.

Signs and symptoms of swimmer’s itch:

• Tingling, burning, or itching of the skin minutes to days after swimming in contaminated water
• Small reddish pimples may appear within twelve hours
• small blisters
• Scratching the areas can lead to secondary bacterial infections.

Home remedies for swimmer’s itch include:

• Use corticosteroid cream
• Apply cool compresses to the affected area
• Bathe in Epsom salts or baking soda
• Use anti-itch lotion

Reduce your risk

• Do not swim in areas where swimmers itch is a known problem
• Do not swim near or wade in marshy areas
• Towel dry or shower immediately after leaving the water.
• Stay out of the water close to shore – swim from a raft or boat farther from shore

For more information, visit: health.state.mn.us/diseases/swimitch/ or dnr.state.mn.us/swimming/swimmersitch